PIC16C620A-04/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A-04/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.03 | $3.03 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.42 | $242.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
PIC16C620A-04/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral interfaces on one die. The PIC16C620A belongs to the PIC16C family - one of Microchip's foundational mid-range 8-bit OTP MCU lines, sitting in the broader taxonomy of 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. OTP means the program memory can be written once with an external device programmer (such as MPLAB PM3) and cannot be erased, making the part cost-optimized for high-volume production where firmware is stable. The "A" suffix marks the second-generation silicon revision with internal RC oscillator, brown-out reset, and improved interrupt handling versus the original PIC16C620.
Key features include an integrated 4 MHz internal RC oscillator (eliminating external clock components in many designs), two 8-bit timers (Timer0/Timer2) plus one 16-bit Timer1, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC with selectable voltage reference, capture/compare/PWM module, on-chip comparators, and 13 digital I/O pins with high-current sink/source capability. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses for single-cycle instruction fetch, and the 14-bit instruction word delivers compact code density. Operating voltage is 2.5V to 6.0V.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, HVAC fan control), automotive body modules (window lifters, mirror controllers), industrial sensor interfaces, LED lighting drivers, remote control transmitters, and low-cost consumer toys. The combination of internal oscillator, ADC, comparators, and PWM in one chip lets designers replace multiple discrete components.
When designing with this OTP part, prototype firmware in a windowed (JW) or flash-based equivalent first to avoid wasting inventory. Always reserve a no-connect or unused pin for in-circuit emulation if the design will later migrate to a flash MCU. OTP programming requires the MPLAB PM3 or equivalent programmer, and code-protect bits should be set for production builds.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, parametric comparison, and practical design guidance - information not assembled in any single vendor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A-04/P β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16C620A-04/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C621A-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C622A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620A-04I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-20/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F627A-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-04I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620A-04/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 96 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit + 1 x 8-bit |
| PWM Channels | 1 (10-bit via CCP) |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip analog |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (commercial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (PDIP-18) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC (calibrated) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free /P suffix where applicable) |
PIC16C620A-04/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF β GPIO port A bit 2 / ADC input 2 / negative voltage reference / comparator reference output |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 β GPIO port A bit 3 / ADC input 3 / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI β GPIO port A bit 4 (open-drain) / ADC input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset input (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference (0 V) |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β GPIO port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT β GPIO port B bit 1 / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK β GPIO port B bit 2 / USART async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 β GPIO port B bit 3 / capture-compare-PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM β GPIO port B bit 4 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β GPIO port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/T1OSO β GPIO port B bit 6 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 13 | RB7/T1OSI β GPIO port B bit 7 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / system clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 β GPIO port A bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 β GPIO port A bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A-04/P is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control (Washing Machine / Microwave), Automotive Body Electronics (Window Lift / Mirror), LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers, Remote Control Transmitters (RF / IR), Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Battery-Powered Consumer Toys and Gadgets, HVAC Fan and Pump Speed Controllers.
Appliance Control (Washing Machine / Microwave)
The PIC16C620A-04/P fits appliance control boards because its 13 I/O pins, 5-channel 8-bit ADC, and on-chip comparators integrate the front-end interface that washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers need. Each ADC channel reads a sensor (water level, temperature, door switch) while the comparators detect zero-crossing of the AC line for triac dimming of the display and indicator LEDs. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the external crystal and reduces BOM by ~$0.15 in cost-sensitive appliance designs. With 896 bytes of OTP program memory, typical appliance state machines fit comfortably, and the 35-instruction PIC16 set makes assembly firmware easy to certify for long-life products. The 25 mA per-pin sink/source directly drives LED indicators and relay coils through a transistor, simplifying the schematic. Industrial temperature variants (-04I/P suffix) extend the same hardware to outdoor equipment. Pricing under $2 in 1000-piece volume keeps total BOM competitive against mask-ROM ASIC solutions.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Window Lift / Mirror)
The PIC16C620A-04/P suits low-end automotive body modules where its 8-bit RISC core, 13 I/O, and PWM output drive small DC motors for window lifters and mirror adjusters. The CCP module generates 10-bit PWM for smooth motor speed control, while the ADC reads potentiometer feedback from the joystick or switch cluster. Operating voltage tolerance to 6.0 V tolerates cranking transients on 12 V vehicle buses when paired with a 5 V LDO regulator such as the LM7805 or TPS7A4533. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer are essential for automotive EMI robustness - the watchdog catches code lockups from inductive load transients. The 200 ns instruction cycle gives deterministic response times for safety-critical debouncing. Note that AEC-Q100 qualification requires the automotive-grade PIC16C620A-04E/P (extended temp) variant, not the standard commercial part. Volume pricing under $2.50 keeps module cost competitive for tier-1 body controller designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers and Drivers
The PIC16C620A-04/P drives LED lighting products where its internal 4 MHz RC oscillator and PWM module provide flicker-free dimming without external timing components. The CCP generates a PWM signal that feeds through a MOSFET driver (such as the TC4427) to a switching FET controlling LED string current. The 5-channel ADC reads ambient light sensors (LDR or TEMT6000) and color temperature sensors for closed-loop brightness control, while the on-chip comparator detects zero-crossing of the AC mains for phase-cut dimming compatibility. The 2.5-6.0 V supply range lets the MCU run directly from a single Li-ion cell in portable LED fixtures or from a small switching supply in mains-powered fixtures. The 35-instruction PIC16 set makes the firmware easy to certify for lighting safety standards (UL, IEC). Pricing at $2 in volume suits the cost structure of consumer LED bulbs. The /SO variant in SOIC-18 supports reflow soldering for automated production.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters (RF / IR)
The PIC16C620A-04/P is well-suited for handheld remote controls where low cost, low power, and small package count are paramount. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates the external crystal, and the 8-bit timer with capture mode measures IR carrier frequencies (typically 38 kHz or 56 kHz) for protocol decoding. The 13 I/O pins accommodate up to a 6x7 matrix keypad scan plus LED indicator drive, and the high-current 25 mA I/O pins can directly drive the IR LED through a current-limiting resistor for short-range consumer remotes. The 2.5-6.0 V supply range lets the same PCB design work from 2x AA alkaline or 1x CR2032 coin cell. In sleep mode the PIC16C620A draws microamps, extending battery life to multi-year levels on a typical TV remote duty cycle. The OTP programming model suits consumer remotes where unit volumes are in the millions and firmware never changes. Pricing at $1.95 at 1000-piece quantity is competitive against dedicated remote-control encoder ICs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C620A-04/P provides a complete industrial sensor interface in a single chip thanks to its on-chip ADC, comparators, and PWM. In a 4-20 mA current-loop transmitter, the ADC digitizes a sensor signal (pressure, temperature, level) and the PWM output drives a current-loop DAC (with a precision op-amp) to generate the analog transmission signal. The on-chip comparators provide over-range and under-range detection for fault indication. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure reliable operation on noisy industrial 24V rails that experience voltage dips during motor starts. The industrial-temperature variant (-04I/P) operates from -40 C to +85 C for outdoor enclosures. The 18-pin PDIP package suits hand-soldered prototype panels commonly used in industrial automation. The PIC16 instruction set makes assembly firmware deterministic and easy to certify to IEC 61508 functional safety standards. Volume pricing supports field-replaceable module business models.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Toys and Gadgets
The PIC16C620A-04/P powers low-cost battery-operated toys where its 2.5-6.0 V supply range accepts 2x or 3x AA cells directly without a voltage regulator. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator avoids the cost and PCB area of an external crystal, and sleep current in the microamp range lets simple motion toys run for months on alkaline cells. The 8-bit ADC reads joystick potentiometers and the comparators detect battery voltage for low-battery warning LED indication. The PWM output drives small DC motors for motion effects, and the 13 I/O pins accommodate multi-LED animations, button inputs, and speaker drive through a transistor. The OTP programming model is ideal for toys - once the firmware is finalized for a production run, no field updates are needed and the cost per unit is minimized. The 35-instruction PIC16 set is straightforward enough that junior engineers can implement toy firmware in assembly within tight product development cycles. Pricing below $2 in volume keeps the BOM cost feasible for sub-$20 retail toys.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Pump Speed Controllers
The PIC16C620A-04/P controls HVAC fan speeds and small pump motors using its 10-bit CCP PWM output to drive a logic-level MOSFET (such as the FDP33N25 or IRLZ44N) in a closed-loop configuration. The 5-channel ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC thermistor or LM35), pressure transducers, and a user-set potentiometer for the desired speed, then adjusts PWM duty cycle to maintain the target. The two on-chip comparators detect over-temperature and over-current fault conditions for protective shutdown. The internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components, reducing BOM cost. Operating from a 5 V or 3.3 V regulated supply, the MCU draws under 2 mA active, suiting always-on HVAC controls. The brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against line-voltage transients and ESD events common in HVAC installations. Industrial temperature variant handles attic and basement environments. The 18-pin PDIP package simplifies field service and replacement in legacy HVAC equipment still in production 20+ years after design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A-04/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C621A-04/P | PIC16C622A-04/P | PIC16C620A-04I/P | PIC16C620A-20/P | PIC16F627A-I/P | PIC16C620-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP (same) | 18-pin PDIP (same) | 18-pin PDIP (same) | 18-pin PDIP (same) | 18-pin PDIP (same) | 18-pin PDIP (same) |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 1.75 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 1 KB Flash | 896 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 96 B | 128 B | 128 B | 96 B | 96 B | 128 B | 96 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM |
| Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC | 4 MHz RC | 4 MHz RC | 4 MHz RC | 4 MHz RC | 4 MHz RC | None (external only) |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Same-package superset with 2x program memory and additional PWM channel (vs PIC16C621A-04/P)
- Flash-based equivalent enables in-circuit reprogramming for faster development cycles (vs PIC16F627A-I/P)
- Industrial temperature range version for harsh-environment applications (vs PIC16C620A-04I/P)
- Five times the clock speed available in same-package -04 version (vs PIC16C620A-20/P)
Design Notes
OTP (One-Time Programmable) parts cannot be erased or re-flashed. Each programming cycle is permanent and consumes one device. Engineers prototyping new firmware MUST use either the windowed ceramic package variant (PIC16C620A-JW, UV-erasable and expensive) or, preferably, the pin-compatible flash PIC16F627A-I/P for development, then commit to the OTP PIC16C620A-04/P only after firmware is fully validated. Per the Microchip PIC16C620A datasheet (DS30242D), OTP programming requires the MPLAB PM3 or equivalent programmer applying 13 V on the MCLR/VPP pin - in-circuit programming (ICSP) is supported but the high voltage on MCLR must be isolated from the rest of the circuit during programming.
Brown-out Reset (BOR) must be enabled for any application where VDD could dip below 2.5 V (e.g., during motor inrush or relay switching on the same supply). Per the Microchip PIC16C620A datasheet (DS30242D), BOR holds the MCU in reset when VDD falls below the configured threshold (2.0 V, 2.7 V, or 4.2 V selectable via configuration bits), preventing code execution at indeterminate voltages that could corrupt the program counter. A 100 nF decoupling capacitor must be placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic plus 100 nF ceramic combination on the supply rail prevents voltage dips that would falsely trigger BOR. In battery applications, the BOR threshold should be set above the battery cutoff to prevent deep discharge damage.
When using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator (INTOSC), the OSC1 pin should be tied to VDD and the OSC2 pin can be left floating or used as a CLKOUT output to drive another device. For external crystal operation, place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins with short traces and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. Per Microchip's PIC16C620A datasheet (DS30242D), crystal loading capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) must be placed close to the crystal, not close to the MCU. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper reset - omit the capacitor only if in-circuit programming is not used. Unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs (to avoid floating-input current draw) or tied to VDD/VSS through 10 kohm resistors.
The PIC16C620A-04/P in 18-pin PDIP has thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W in still air and 50 C/W with 100 LFPM airflow. Maximum power dissipation at 5 V and 4 MHz with all I/O pins loaded is approximately 25 mW, yielding a junction temperature rise of only 2 C - thermal management is not a concern for typical applications. However, in extended temperature (-40 C to +85 C industrial) installations, the maximum operating temperature must be derated from 70 C ambient by any self-heating. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30242D), the absolute maximum junction temperature is 150 C and storage temperature is -65 C to +150 C. No heatsink is required for the PDIP package under any normal operating condition.
Watchdog Timer (WDT) rollover during sleep can wake the MCU unexpectedly if the WDT is not disabled in sleep mode. Per the Microchip PIC16C620A datasheet (DS30242D), the SWDTEN bit in the OPTION register controls WDT enable, but the WDTE configuration bit determines whether WDT is enabled at all by default. In battery-powered applications using sleep mode for power saving, configure WDT to be disabled in sleep (PSA bit cleared and prescaler assigned to WDT only when needed). The CLRWDT instruction must be placed at strategic points in any loop that could take longer than the WDT period (typically 18 ms nominal at 4 MHz) to prevent unwanted resets. Code-protect bits should be set in the configuration word for production builds to prevent firmware extraction from the EPROM array.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The standard PIC16C620A-04/P is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications requiring qualification should use the PIC16C620A-04E/P extended-temperature variant or migrate to the PIC16F627A-I/P with automotive grade. Lead-free /P suffix per Microchip ordering information.
